Newbie here, so what do I need?

[rbread]

I am looking at getting started at making knives and tools. I really like the designs of Peter Atwood (here's a link if you aren't familiar) http://www.atwoodknives.com/home/spindex.php

I have a bench grinder, angle grinder and air powered cutoff tools and vice. I know those aren't the most desirable tools, but I really don't have the budget for more expensive tools, plus I want to make sure I really enjoy this new hobby. I figure files and and tools are just the forerunner of power tools, so they will do the job nearly as well, just slower. Maybe it'll help me learn. Anyway, all that is said to ask, which tools would I need to get started? I am mainly thinking about the files. Is there a set I can get that is fairly inclusive? Thanks in advance!

[Ray Rogers]

Files, sandpaper, hacksaw, drill, vise. Almost any variant of these tools can be used effectively but if you want to know what most knifemakers use then look in a catalog from a knife maker's supply house. You might find some of this on websites but catalogs are usually more complete....

[Doug Lester]

How about some books and videos on making knives? They would answer some of your questions about tools and also how to make knives. You also need to learn about steel selection and heat treating and I recommend that you do that before you start building knives. I know a lot of people have just jumped in and started making knives. Some have been able to learn and continue with the hobby. Most get frustrated and give up because that are constantly making mistakes and can't see their way forward because they don't have their basics down.

Doug

[ckluftinger]

Welcome to the hobby, rbread. I'd start with something simple and work up to more complex projects. depending on your personality, you may be one to clamor quick results, or you may be happy to work on a single project for a long time (not me, most of the time...). Small blades tend to take less time to finish than large ones, and a simple design will yield better results sooner than something complex - for example, I'd pick a straight-forward easy bevel over a hollow ground or compound bevel to start with. Read up on steels used to make knives, and see what's availble to you, and who can do the heat treatment for you. Most experts would steer you to a 10xx steel like 1080 or 1084 to start with. No point in getting confused by fancy steels and difficult heat treatment processes at this time - I'm assuming you'll start with a stock removal project. if not, you'll need a forge, an anvil or anvil-like surface, hammer, etc. For now, I'd stick with files, sand paper, a vise and the other bits which you already seem to have. Make a few knives and you'll soon figure out what other tools could be handy. The list is endless...
Read, watch videos, look at this and other sites, or best of all, try to watch a knife maker at work. Ask questions.
Good luck to you and be sure to show your work!
Chris

[rbread]

Thanks for the input guys! I am going to start with stock removal, and have ordered a few catalogs. As to books and videos, do you have any recommendations? I think I'm going to start with a small blade but haven't made up my mind yet. As for the steel I'm going to use, for starters my friends job has a lot of scrap stainless laying around so I'm hoping to snag some of that on the cheap to play with. Thanks again for the help!

[rockhound]

If you use your friend's stainless for stock removal, make sure it is annealed or it will be very difficult.
I'm relatively new also and haven't purchased any books yet. Almost done with my first stock removal and got all of my help on this site... it is a great resource with helpful people.
Before attempting stock removal I purchased a couple of knife blanks to practice and learn the nuances of scale and bolster assembly. Kinda like training wheels on a bike. Both builds were very good exercises for me. I made mistakes and learned how to correct them in the process. I also purchased a folder kit and built that prior to the stock removal project. All of the kit builds were good for my learning path and inexpensive.
Since I'm doing everything mostly with hand tools I think that my first book is going to be "$50 Knife Shop" which I've seen recommended frequently. Prices vary but I found it on Kindle as a download for only $9.99. I checked out a sample of it on my device... has full color pics and all.
After that there are a couple of sheath making DVDs that are high on my list, but kinda high in price.
Patience, attention to detail, and tenacity are the three virtues I've had to draw most from while learning this. Very enjoyable, good luck on your journey!!

[Ray Rogers]

Here's a few books: http://www.rayrogers.com/books.htm

As for the stainless, OK if you just want something to grind on but don't try to make a real knife from it since it almost surely will not harden. Frankly, if you want to expend the effort to shape a piece of stainless I'd buy a piece of 440C and make a real blade....

[Doug Lester]

I would recommend The Master Bladesmith by Jim Hrisoulas. It is geared more toward the smith, as the title implies, but much of it also pertains to stock removal. Remember, smiths do forging and stock removal, not just forging. Steel selection is broader for stock removal but the basics of heat treating are the same. Only the specifics for each alloy differ.

As far as videos go, I'm not certain about those pertaining to stock removal but I know that they are out there. It might do you well to investigate what's available on YouTube.

Doug

[rbread]

cool guys, maybe I'll be better off just getting some steel instead of my friends. I don't know that he can get me some anyway. I really just wanted to kinda play around for right now, but if ya'll don't think mystery steel is the way to go maybe I'll rethink it.

[rbread]

@Rockhound I've been following your stock removal build (which looks very nice by the way). My first plan so far is nowhere as adventurous as yours, or at least so I think. This is kind of what I was looking to do first time around.
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2...0/wharnies.jpg

Thanks to everyone for your help!

[ckluftinger]

I agree with Ray. Chances are your friend's stainless is something like 316 which is used to clad tables and make stainless shelving from. It may be good to practice your filing and grinding techniques on, but it won't make a usable blade. I'd still take some pieces though, if they're free. They can be used as spacers, bolsters and other fittings which don't need to be hardened. Scraps of any steel are always good to have kicking around...

[rbread]

@Rockhound yeah, I've been following your stock removal project and it is really looking good! I don't plan on doing anything that adventurous on my first attempt. This is kind of the idea I was going to try to follow for my first time...
http://www.atwoodknives.com/home/16147407.php
I just want to try something simple for now and may learn how to do the handles and whatnot later.

[Jay-Z]

IMO The best tool you can have in your chest is patience. It will get you far... It did me...

Jay Z